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More than four months after 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson, Arizona, home, a retired FBI agent says a leading cybersecurity company has publicly classified the case as a cryptocurrency-motivated kidnapping — what the industry calls a “wrench attack by proxy.” If the designation holds up, it would reframe the disappearance of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mother as part of a documented and growing pattern of violent crimes targeting people connected to digital-currency wealth.

What CertiK Said

Jennifer Coffindaffer, a retired FBI agent and NewsNation contributor, posted on X on Saturday, June 13, sharing a screenshot from cybersecurity firm CertiK. In it, CertiK described Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapping as part of a “$6 million bitcoin ransom demand” and tied it to what the company called “the documented trend of proxy target selection already identified in our 2025 report.”

CertiK published a broader report documenting 34 verified wrench attacks between January and April 2026, a 41% increase from the 24 incidents recorded during the same period in 2025. Total losses from these attacks exceeded $101 million in just four months. Among the cases flagged in the report was the suspected abduction of Nancy Guthrie, which CertiK categorized as a potential “wrench attack by proxy.” Ransom notes demanding $6 million in Bitcoin were reportedly sent to multiple media outlets, including KGUN9 and TMZ.

What a “Wrench Attack” Means

The term “wrench attack” comes from the cryptocurrency world. It refers to a physical assault or threat, sometimes literally with a wrench or other weapon, aimed at forcing someone to hand over digital assets. A “proxy” variation targets not the crypto holder directly but a family member or associate, using the threat against that person as leverage. The term traces back to a satirical XKCD webcomic first published in 2009, built on the joke that it’s easier to beat someone with a wrench until they give up their password than it is to hack a cryptocurrency wallet.

Coffindaffer characterized the development in stark terms in her post. “Nancy Guthrie: It’s the biggest public break in Nancy’s Case as CertiK, arguably the Leading Crypto Security company in the World, has designated Nancy’s abduction as a Wrench attack by Proxy,” she wrote. “Does CertiK have knowledge as to (whether) Savannah has a Bitcoin account? This is a huge breakthrough. Times have changed. And how these networks operate is new to LE. Unless LE knows who took Nancy, then a Wrench by Proxy Is on the Table.”

An Important Caveat

Despite the attention generated by Coffindaffer’s post, the designation remains, at this stage, an outside assessment rather than a confirmed law enforcement finding. Nothing in the public domain confirms CertiK’s internal knowledge beyond the screenshot Coffindaffer shared, and the assessment remains speculative rather than established fact. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which is leading the inquiry, says detectives are still examining DNA and pursuing leads, but no suspect has been identified. The FBI is assisting, yet there has been no confirmation that agents accept the “wrench attack” label or see the case as part of a wider crypto-crime pattern.

Authorities have not officially confirmed any motive in the case, despite the various theories that have circulated publicly in recent weeks.

A Pattern Beyond This Single Case

CertiK’s broader research frames the Guthrie case as one example of an accelerating trend rather than an isolated incident. The blockchain security firm’s data shows wrench attacks are not slowing down. As the report notes, hardware wallets, multisig setups, and time-locked transactions were designed to protect against digital threats, but they do very little when someone threatens a person’s family. The Guthrie case illustrates that wealth proximity, not just wealth ownership, creates risk — meaning a person doesn’t need to hold Bitcoin to become a target, only to be connected to someone who does, or who is perceived to.

The Broader Investigation

The case has remained under intense investigation since Guthrie’s disappearance from her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson. She was last seen at her home on January 31, according to reports, and was reported missing by family the following day. Since then, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI have been processing DNA evidence, following up tips, and reviewing ransom letters connected to the case.

The investigation was formally upgraded from a missing persons case to a homicide investigation earlier this year, even as no official suspect has been named. A masked individual captured on Guthrie’s doorbell camera around the time of her disappearance remains a central, unidentified focus of the inquiry.

Savannah Guthrie’s Continued Absence

Savannah Guthrie has continued to navigate her role at Today amid the ongoing search for her mother, periodically stepping away from her anchor duties. She returned to the broadcast earlier this year following an extended leave of absence after her mother’s disappearance, though she has continued to take intermittent breaks from the show as the investigation has stretched on.

What Comes Next

With CertiK’s assessment now circulating widely but still unconfirmed by the FBI or Pima County investigators, the central question facing the case remains the same one that has persisted for months: whether law enforcement can convert the various competing theories — cryptocurrency ransom, the unidentified masked suspect, or other leads — into an actual identified perpetrator. Coffindaffer’s post suggests the crypto angle may open investigative doors that traditional law enforcement has been slow to walk through, but until the FBI or Pima County Sheriff’s Department issues an official statement addressing CertiK’s designation directly, the “wrench attack” theory remains one competing explanation among several in a case that has now stretched well past the four-month mark without a confirmed suspect or a resolution for the Guthrie family.

Anyone with information related to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. The family’s $1 million reward and the FBI’s $100,000 reward for information remain active.

This article was written by

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In the past 24 hours, Bitcoin was up 1.30% whereas Ethereum was up 1.67% to trade at $1,723 mark. Among the major altcoins, BNB, XRP, Solana, Tron, Hyperliquid, Dogecoin and Cardano gained upto 4.85%.

Also Read | Retirement savings gap after a career break? Expert shares how to recover without taking big risks WazirX market’s desk said this week, the crypto market saw a mix of positive signals and some caution from the macro side. The good news: easing geopolitical tensions and lower oil prices helped reduce inflation worries, improved overall market sentiment and supported a recovery in risk assets, including crypto.

Bitcoin remained strong at the beginning of the week. Institutional confidence also stayed high, with continued ETF inflows and Strategy adding another 1,587 BTC to its holdings. This shows that large investors continue to accumulate during uncertain periods rather than stepping away from the market, WazirX market’s desk further said.

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The global crypto market capitalisation went up 1.28% to $2.19 trillion, according to CoinMarketCap.
Piyush Walke, Derivatives Research Analyst, Delta Exchange said on Friday, Bitcoin traded within a narrow range of $62,300 to $63,300 as markets assessed the first significant test of the U.S.–Iran peace memorandum. Despite the geopolitical backdrop, price action across the cryptocurrency market suggests that traders are currently more focused on liquidity conditions than on macroeconomic or political developments.Walke further said from a technical perspective, Bitcoin continues to face resistance at its 20-day moving average, currently situated near $64,000.

Also Read | MF Tracker: Nippon India Small Cap Fund tops all equity funds over 10 years. Is it too late to invest?

In the past week, Bitcoin was down 0.14% and Ethereum was up 3.20%. Among the major altcoins, XRP, Solana, Tron, Hyperliquid, gained upto 19.37% whereas BNB, Dogecoin and Cardano fell upto 5.72%.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

If you have any mutual fund queries, message on ET Mutual Funds on Facebook/Twitter. We will get it answered by our panel of experts. Do share your questions on ETMFqueries@timesinternet.in alongwith your age, risk profile, and twitter handle

TORONTO — The top two nations in Group E butt heads at BMO Field on Saturday, as four-time world champions Germany face Ivory Coast on matchday two at the 2026 World Cup, with both sides arriving fresh off statement-making opening victories.

A 2-2 friendly draw was played out between these sides in their only previous encounter in November 2009, with Lukas Podolski scoring twice for Die Mannschaft, including a 90th-minute equalizer.

Germany’s Dominant Opening Statement

Germany recorded the biggest victory at this summer’s World Cup on matchday one, easing to an emphatic 7-1 win over tournament debutants Curaçao in Houston last Sunday. After Felix Nmecha netted a sixth-minute opener, Julian Nagelsmann’s side were stunned by a historic leveler midway through the first half from Curaçao, the World Cup’s smallest-ever nation by population.

However, Die Mannschaft swiftly returned to their devastating ways, as Kai Havertz scored twice, while Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, and Deniz Undav all got their names on the scoresheet in a deserved triumph.

Only five World Cup games this century have seen a nation score seven or more goals, and three of those have been by Germany, who can secure top spot in Group E if they beat Ivory Coast and Ecuador fail to win their match against Curaçao.

A Strong Run, but Defensive Cracks

Germany heads into this weekend’s fixture boasting a 10-game winning streak across all competitions dating back to September 2025, scoring two or more goals in nine of those victories.

However, the ninth-highest-ranked nation in the world have looked vulnerable at the back, conceding in four of their last five matches, while they have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last seven games at the World Cup since winning the 2014 final 1-0 against Argentina.

Ivory Coast’s Dramatic Opener

After failing to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Ivory Coast picked up all three points in their opening match at this summer’s tournament, leaving it late to beat Ecuador by a slender 1-0 scoreline last Monday. Ecuador smacked the woodwork three times but could not find a breakthrough, before substitute Amad Diallo netted a superb 90th-minute winner for the Elephants, ending the South American side’s 19-game unbeaten run stretched across a near two-year period.

Ivory Coast have now won at least one game at each of their four appearances at the World Cup and are in a strong position to progress to the knockout rounds for the first time in their history, needing at least a point from their remaining two games to all but secure a top-three finish.

Emerse Fae’s side are one of only two African nations, along with Ghana, to win their opening group-stage game, and they will be looking to win their fifth match in a row across all competitions when they face Germany — a run that includes a 2-1 friendly victory over France a fortnight ago.

The Head-to-Head History

Ranked 30th in the world by FIFA, the Elephants have only won one of their previous four World Cup encounters against European opposition, with one draw and two losses, while Germany have been beaten just once by an African nation on the global stage across the same broader sample, with five wins and two draws.

Germany’s Likely Lineup

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann may consider handing a start to in-form Deniz Undav, who scored and registered two assists as a substitute against Curaçao, and has directly contributed to 11 goals — seven goals and four assists — in just 10 appearances for the senior national team.

However, a four-man attack of Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Kai Havertz is likely to remain intact, with Havertz the only German player to score at each of the last four major tournaments, netting exactly twice in each.

At the age of 40, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is the oldest ever German to play at a World Cup, and he is set to be protected by a four-man defense of Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Nathaniel Brown.

Germany’s possible starting lineup: Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Pavlovic, Nmecha; Sané, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz.

Ivory Coast’s Team News

As for Ivory Coast, Elye Wahi had been denied entry into Canada due to visa complications amid reports that he had been arrested on suspicion of match-fixing offenses. However, he has since been given travel authorization to enter Canada and could therefore feature on Saturday. Fae may consider replacing the Eintracht Frankfurt striker, though, with Ange-Yoan Bonny, Oumar Diakité, and Evann Guessand all pushing for a start in attack alongside Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Touré.

Following his match-winning impact off the bench last time out, Diallo could replace Nicolas Pépé in the first XI. The Manchester United winger has scored six international goals since October last year, more than any other Ivory Coast player in that period.

Yan Diomande may therefore switch over to the left flank. Against Ecuador, the Liverpool-linked 19-year-old became the first player on record since 1966 to create five-plus chances, make five-plus tackles, win 10-plus duels, and have 10-plus touches in the opposition’s box in a single World Cup match.

Ivory Coast’s possible starting lineup: Y. Fofana; Doué, Singo, Agbadou, Konan; Diallo, Kessié, S. Fofana, Diomandé; Bonny, Touré.

The Prediction

We say: Germany 3-2 Ivory Coast.

While Ivory Coast’s electric frontline possesses more than enough pace to puncture Nagelsmann’s vulnerable backline, the sheer creative depth of this Germany outfit should ultimately overwhelm their African counterparts. We expect a fast start from Die Mannschaft, who have scored first in nine of their last 10 internationals, and they should ultimately prevail following a breathless contest in Canada.

What’s at Stake

Saturday’s match in Toronto carries significant implications for the top of Group E. A win for Germany, combined with a failure by Ecuador to beat Curaçao, would clinch top spot in the group for Die Mannschaft. For Ivory Coast, a strong result against one of the tournament’s traditional powerhouses would represent another significant step toward a maiden appearance in the knockout rounds, continuing the momentum built by their dramatic late winner against Ecuador in their opener.

With both sides riding extended winning streaks across all competitions heading into this clash — Germany’s 10-game run and Ivory Coast’s bid for a fifth consecutive victory — Saturday’s contest at BMO Field shapes up as one of the most compelling matchups of the tournament’s second round of group games, pitting a European heavyweight known for explosive attacking output against an African side that has shown both the resilience and firepower to compete with anyone in this group.

SAN FRANCISCO — Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron became the first player ejected under a new rule prohibiting covering one’s mouth while speaking to an opponent, receiving a red card during his team’s Group B match against Turkey on Friday.

The incident occurred just before halftime with Paraguay leading 1-0 in the match at Levi’s Stadium. Almiron, 32, obscured his mouth with his hand while addressing Turkey’s Mert Muldur, who promptly alerted the referee. Video assistant referee review confirmed the violation, leading referee Ivan Barton of El Salvador to issue the red card.

The new regulation, implemented for the first time at this World Cup, aims to curb potential abusive language during matches. International Football Association Board officials approved the measure during an April meeting in Vancouver, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino supporting stricter enforcement against unsportsmanlike conduct.

Commentators and former players offered mixed reactions to the decision. Clinton Morrison, providing analysis for BBC Radio 5 Live, noted the importance of adhering to established rules. “If you know the rules, you shouldn’t do it. You’ve got to credit the referee and the VAR for making that decision,” Morrison said. “Not everyone would agree with it, but if those are the rules, you’ve got to stick by the rules.”

Despite playing more than half the match shorthanded, Paraguay held on for a 1-0 victory. The result keeps their knockout stage hopes alive heading into their final group match against Australia.

The rule’s introduction follows several high-profile incidents involving players covering their mouths during conversations with opponents. Earlier this year, Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni faced scrutiny after an exchange with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr., ultimately receiving a suspension for related conduct.

FIFA officials emphasized that referees maintain discretion based on context when applying the rule. The measure seeks to promote transparency and discourage potential verbal abuse while maintaining the flow of competitive play.

Almiron had already encountered another new regulation in Paraguay’s opening group match against the United States. Initially booked for a foul, the decision was reversed after video review determined simulation, resulting in a yellow card for diving.

Turkey dominated possession and created numerous opportunities despite the loss. The result eliminates them from knockout contention, though they displayed competitive spirit throughout the match.

The incident sparked immediate discussion among players, coaches and fans regarding the new rule’s implementation. Some viewed it as necessary for maintaining respect in the game, while others worried it could lead to overly harsh punishments for minor infractions.

Paraguay coach expressed mixed feelings about the red card’s impact. “It was a very tough match for many reasons,” he said. “The players did their best. It was very difficult to face this match with two players less with this environment.”

The rule forms part of broader efforts to address player conduct and enhance match integrity. Officials hope consistent enforcement will reduce unsportsmanlike behavior while preserving the competitive nature of international football.

For Paraguay, the victory provides crucial momentum despite the disciplinary setback. Advancing from the group stage would represent a significant achievement for the South American nation in its World Cup campaign.

Turkey’s elimination highlights the challenges of competing in a tough group. Their performance demonstrated quality that could prove valuable in future tournaments as the team continues developing.

The match also featured strong defensive play from Paraguay, which limited Turkey’s attacking threats despite the numerical disadvantage. Goalkeeper performance and organized defending proved decisive in securing the result.

As the tournament progresses, teams and players will adapt to the new regulations. Referees face the challenge of consistent application while managing match flow and player emotions.

The incident underscores ongoing efforts to improve sportsmanship in football. While controversial, such rules aim to create a more respectful environment for players, officials and fans alike.

Paraguay’s remaining group fixture against Australia will test their ability to perform under pressure. A positive result could secure advancement and validate their competitive approach despite early disciplinary issues.

The World Cup continues showcasing both athletic excellence and evolving governance of the sport. New regulations like the mouth-covering rule reflect football’s attempt to balance tradition with modern standards of conduct.

SAN FRANCISCO — As the NBA offseason progresses, the Golden State Warriors continue evaluating roster options that could pair veteran star Kawhi Leonard with franchise icon Stephen Curry, according to league sources familiar with the team’s thinking.

The possibility has generated considerable discussion among executives and analysts, with some viewing Leonard as a potential missing piece for a Warriors team seeking to return to championship contention. Others question whether the two stars’ styles would complement each other effectively given their ages and injury histories.

Leonard, 35, remains one of the league’s premier two-way wings when healthy. His defensive versatility and clutch scoring have defined a career that includes two NBA titles and multiple All-Star selections. However, durability concerns have limited his availability in recent seasons.

Curry, 38, continues defying age expectations as one of basketball’s greatest shooters. His gravity on the court creates opportunities for teammates while maintaining elite production. The Warriors have built their dynasty around his unique skill set.

Pairing the two would require careful roster construction to maximize their strengths. Leonard’s mid-range game and defensive presence could complement Curry’s off-ball movement and long-range shooting. The challenge lies in managing minutes and maintaining defensive intensity.

Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. has emphasized flexibility this offseason while exploring options to support Curry in what could be among his final competitive seasons. The team holds valuable draft assets and young talent that could facilitate a deal.

Salary considerations present a significant hurdle. Leonard’s contract carries substantial weight, requiring matching salaries or creative structures to complete any transaction. The Warriors’ cap situation limits straightforward pursuits without additional moves.

League observers note Leonard’s preference for winning situations and familiarity with high-pressure environments. His experience alongside elite teammates could prove valuable in Golden State’s system, which emphasizes ball movement and spacing.

Potential supporting casts would need to address defensive gaps and provide secondary scoring. Young players like Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga could develop alongside the veterans, creating an intriguing mix of experience and potential.

The Western Conference remains highly competitive, with several teams positioned for deep playoff runs. A Leonard-Curry pairing would immediately elevate the Warriors’ ceiling while presenting matchup challenges for opponents.

Injuries represent the primary risk in such a scenario. Both players have dealt with significant health issues in recent years. Managing their workloads would become crucial for sustaining performance through an 82-game season and potential postseason.

Financial implications extend beyond the court. A high-profile acquisition would generate substantial fan interest and sponsorship opportunities while testing the Warriors’ ability to maintain competitive balance under luxury tax constraints.

League sources indicate preliminary discussions have occurred, though no formal offers have advanced significantly. The Clippers’ reported reluctance to trade Leonard adds another layer of complexity to any potential deal.

If pursued, the move would represent a bold attempt to maximize Curry’s remaining prime years. Golden State has shown willingness to make significant changes in pursuit of contention, as evidenced by previous roster overhauls.

Critics question whether Leonard’s playing style aligns perfectly with the Warriors’ motion offense. His isolation tendencies and load management approach differ from the free-flowing system that defined Golden State’s championship teams.

Supporters highlight Leonard’s adaptability and championship pedigree. His ability to elevate teammates and perform in crucial moments could prove valuable alongside Curry’s playmaking and shooting. The combination might create unique defensive and offensive advantages.

The NBA offseason provides time for such ambitious ideas to develop. As free agency and trade discussions intensify, the Warriors must weigh short-term competitiveness against long-term roster flexibility.

For Curry, a potential partnership with Leonard could offer one final opportunity to chase another title. His leadership and experience would be instrumental in integrating a new star into the team’s culture.

Leonard would join a franchise with recent championship success and a supportive environment for veterans. The move could revitalize his career while providing the Warriors with a proven winner.

As discussions continue, basketball fans eagerly await developments. A Leonard-Curry pairing would create one of the most intriguing duos in recent NBA history, with significant implications for the league’s competitive balance.